The thoughts of walkers and visitors to Sandringham were with King Charles III as he recuperates from his first session of treatment for cancer on his Norfolk estate.
The monarch flew to his leafy retreat on Tuesday evening, after completing a course of cancer treatment in London.
It came a day after Buckingham Palace announced that the 75-year-old sovereign had been diagnosed with the disease whilst being treated for a benign prostate condition.
The King is standing down from public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment.
On Wednesday, few ventured out on what started out as a grey, miserable day on the Royal Estate.
Camera crews and photographers pitched up in the hope of a glimpse of the King.
But there was little activity apart from the occasional passing police car, with the house and its grounds closed to visitors.
Sharon Bryan, 65, from Pentney, had brought her cockapoo Chester for a walk in the woods.
"I wish him very well," she said. "This is the perfect place to recuperate. It's so peaceful, it's good for the soul."
Robin Lake and Melanie Wellard, from nearby Dersingham, had come to walk chihuahua Dory and enjoy a coffee and cake at the cafe.
"It's very sad," we hope he gets through it," said Mr Lake.
Mrs Wellard added: "The Royals are like our local family. We're really feeling for them, they're just like any other family."
The King chose to go public with both his cancer diagnosis and a prostate problem which had required surgery.
His cancer was discovered while he was being treated for the prostate condition.
Ambulance worker John Thompson said: "I work in the health service and anything that helps spread awareness of men's health is good, because we are the worst aren't we, it's the old stoic nature."
Sarah Barrow, 32, from Downham Market, had brought her three-year-old daughter Hattie-Florence to play on the playground.
"I work for the NHS, there's a lot more people who've had their prostate checked, so I do think it's had a positive impact."
Her friend Robyn Doy, who was with her 18-month old son Eric, said: "It's sad but it's good that he's getting the treatment he needs."
Ashlee Mullany, a reporter from Channel 7 Australia, was one of several journalists filming pieces to camera in the park.
"We're a Commonwealth country," she said. "We all share the deep concern about the King's health."
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